Southern NM Forest Enacts Tougher Fire Restriction

Officials say the forest will go to Stage 2 fire restrictions on Thursday, saying hotter temperatures and winds are drying out the vegetation.

The restrictions ban smoking except in enclosed vehicle or a building where it's allowed.

Campfires, fires and charcoal or stove fires can be built only within a Forest Service-developed recreational site that has fire rings and grills. The use is limited to campgrounds open to the public with a campground host present.

The restrictions also ban welding or operating torches with open flames or using any combustion engine without a proper spark-arresting device.